Key-codes

Introduction

Many of the awards that you may win are operated by the typing of a key-code. A key-code is a sequence of keys rapidly entered on the keyboard. All key-codes begin with a rapid tap on the 'Slower' key, " followed by rapid taps on the 'Faster', 'Slower', 'Up' and 'Down' keys, either individually or two simultaneously. A list of all key-codes in the game is here.

Key-code Timing

The timing of the key presses can be altered from the main menu via Settings->Input->Key-code, or from within the training exercises. You may alter the maximum time of the initial 'Slower' press, and the maximum delay allowed between presses of subsequent keys.

If you are nimble fingered then use shorter times, this will give better response times for triggering the item. If you are not so nimble fingered then you may need to lengthen the times, giving worse response times, but that is the price you pay.

As a guide, a reasonably able player could have an initial release time of 150 milliseconds, and subsequent time window of 300mS.

There is a window on the key-code screen where you can practice typing key-codes, it informs you of the actual periods between your key presses. Don't forget that in the confusion of battle you may not be so deft with your fingers.

When entering consecutive key-codes, remember to leave a time period after each one (equivalent to the key-code 'subsequent time window') for the key-code to be recognised, before entering the next.

Consequences Of Key-code Timing

Of course, setting either timing too short will result in you not being able to enter a key-code accurately.

Setting the initial release time too long results in a greater delay when you want the Harrier to slow down, as the 'Slower' key is used both to initiate a key-code and to slow the Harrier. Also you may find that you are cancelling a manoeuvre, when you really wanted to slow the Harrier.

Setting the subsequent time window too long will result in a greater time delay in triggering the desired manoeuvre. This is because the game is waiting for the length of this time after release of the final key-code key to see if you are going to press another key. For example, to cancel a manoeuvre, if you press and release the Slower key in 50mS, and the subsequent time window is set to 300mS, then the total time to cancel is 350ms. However, if the subsequent time window had been set to 100mS, then the total time to cancel would have been just 150mS.